Findings by our correspondent at the 93 Battalion, Effurun, revealed that while a riot policeman sustained injury in the encounter, seven militants were feared dead in the duel.

It was, however, gathered the security operatives foiled an attempt by the militants to abduct oil workers, especially three expatriates repairing a well-head in the fields.

Investigations also showed that the militants stormed the fields located in Warri North Local Government Area of the state in speed boats to abduct the workers.

The militants also intended to stop work on the well-head which was vandalised in the wake of the crisis in the oil industry in the region in February.

Our source in JTF said the gun-wielding youths who were apparently unaware of the presence of the troops nearby, ordered the suspension of the repair work on the basis that it was not authorised by them.

Thereafter, the militants reportedly picked out three expatriates and ordered them into one of their speed boats when the troops confronted them.

It was learnt that a duel subsequently ensued between them.

The militants eventually succumbed to the superior-fire- power of the soldiers and fled the scene with the remains of their fallen colleagues and those who sustained injuries in the bloody encounter.

The Commander of JTF, Brig. Gen. Alfred Ilogho, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with our correspondent.